Bookmundi, a global travel-booking portal, saw a significant interest in the ‘Land of Smiles,’ particularly Bangkok, followed by Chiang Mai, Phuket, Kho Phangan and Krabi Island, with tours and trip bookings to these cities increasing considerably.
Statistics show while Southern Thailand continues to soar in popularity, its northern counterpart still piques the interests of many travellers.
Bangkok: From the bustling streets of Sukhumvit (home to unique corners like “Little Japan”) to the bohemian Ari neighbourhood, The Big Mango is a mecca for global trekkers. A staggering 87% of trips to Thailand booked through Bookmundi included Bangkok. The Thai capital dazzles with day trips to unique floating markets — reachable via scenic river cruise — former ancient cities, such as Ayutthaya, and sweet seaside escapes, like Hua Hin or Pattaya. Welcoming in over 60,000 daily visitors, most travellers land in Bangkok to venture up north and to central parts of Thailand. Still, the city’s blend of modernity and traditional Thai culture wins the hearts of many visitors. Highlights include royal palaces and temples, the world’s largest outdoor market, rooftop bars, zany themed cafes, tuk-tuk city tours, Thai cooking classes, and, of course, street food joints.
Phuket: Renowned as the gateway to the south and hidden islands reminiscent of Jurassic Park, Phuket is especially favoured by honeymooners, destination wedding dreamers and families. About 24% of the booked tours included Phuket. Renting a scooter is a popular way to explore the island, leading to the iconic sites like the towering Big Buddha and Promthep Cape viewpoint. The island is also known for its artist villages, waterfalls (for canyoning adventures) and secret coves like Ya Nui Beach. Visitors can also trace Phuket’s past around the Old Town, lined with pastel-coloured Sino-Portuguese houses, ancient herbalists and street art. They can also sail between islets at sunset, for scuba explorations around the Similans, or catch a longtail boat to Koh Yao Yai. Trendy beach clubs, helicopter tours, and Muay Thai matches add to the allure of this idyllic island.
Krabi: Small but mighty, Krabi garnered 6% interest in booked trips. The region is known for its natural beauty and sacred sites, such as the Tiger Cave Temple and Wat Maha That Wachiramongkhol temple. Krabi is also a launching point for day trips to nearby islands, like Bamboo Isle and Ko Hong. Visitors can sail through mangroves and fairytale-like lagoons, enjoy boat cruises with BBQs, snorkel, chase waterfalls, and unwind in the Krabi Hot Springs. Popular tourist activities include water sports such as SUPing at Ao Sang Beach or rock climbing at Railay Beach. Families will love batik-making workshops or visiting the Andaman Bead Museum.
Koh Phangan: Globally recognised and famously associated with Full Moon Parties along the shores of Haad Rin Beach, Koh Phangan garnered 15% of booking interests. This southeastern island, home to over 30 beaches, offers a quieter holiday experience. While the island remains a backpackers’ hotspot, the northern side of the isle attracts yogis and vegans. The east calls to hikers with trails and tours leading to 627-metre-tall Khao Ra mountain. Day trips to nearby temples and boat trips to sister islands like Koh Samui and Koh Tao, and Ang Thong National Marine Park are popular activities here.
Chiang Mai: A spiritual sanctuary in the highlands of Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai was included on a remarkable 60% of the trips booked for Thailand. The ‘Rose of the North’ is where artists and romantics feel at home. This culturally rich city is surrounded by rolling hillsides dotted with tea and coffee plantations, flower fields, and beautiful landscapes. It’s an Eden for hikers and nature lovers. Visitors can learn about hilltop tribes on day trips, visit striking temples like Chiang Rai’s Wat Rong Khun, or explore destinations such as Pai, known for its waterfalls and hot springs. Chiang Mai’s night markets are a must for tasting Northern Thai dishes like khao soi. A trip to Wat Phratat Doi Suthep, 15 kilometres outside Chiang Mai’s 13th-century walls, is not to be missed.
While Bangkok and Phuket might be Thailand’s most populous cities, the hillsides, peaks and jungles of the north, particularly Chiang Mai, are becoming increasingly popular among travellers worldwide. Visitors can directly fly to Chiang Mai International Airport by skipping Bangkok from countries like Vietnam to explore Northern Thailand. Many travellers prefer pairing their vacation to Thailand with visits to nearby countries like Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia, accessible by road, cruise, or a short flight.
Written by: Shannon Osztonits